East Bengal FC Set for AFC Champions League Qualifier Against Al Arabi

East Bengal FC is preparing to face Al Arabi SC in a vital AFC Champions League Two preliminary knockout match at Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday.

The winner of this match will secure a place in the ACL Two group stage. East Bengal, the defending champion of the Indian Super League, returns to the competition after participating in the AFC Challenge League in the previous season, where it was eliminated by Altyn Asyr from Turkmenistan.

Under the guidance of new head coach Antonio Lopez Habas, East Bengal aims to capitalize on its opportunity after winning India's top league. The team has made changes to its foreign roster while retaining key player Basim Rashid. However, defensive challenges arise with the absence of injured centre-back Nacho Monsalve and the suspension of Lalchungnunga. In contrast, Al Arabi has been training in Turkiye and boasts a strong attacking lineup featuring players like Zaid Qunbar and Lucas Shallon.